Tuesday, September 07, 2010

Back to School!

I know Kylie's been back at it for a week already, but today is the first day back to school for both of my kids, one in college and one in high school. I think I blog about this every year, that bittersweet end of summer that means the start of school.

On one hand, I'm so ready to have the house back to myself so I can work without interruption, but on the other hand I'll miss the kids. Summer seems so short and the school year so long. You know, right?

I have friends who have started various traditions over the years to commemorate (celebrate?) this first day back to school. One heads over to her next door neighbors for a long leisurely coffee. (I'm thinking mimosas sound like more fun!) Another takes the entire day out shopping with a couple friends. Another plans lunch with a group.

Guess what I'm doing today? Yep. You guessed it. Mucking out Lois's horse stalls!

Actually, I'm not sure what Lois has in store for me, but I'm hers for the day. This new book I've just started involves horses - something I know nothing about - so I need to do some research. She's going to put me to work doing only she knows what. I'm going to guess I'll get dirty, but I'm looking forward to getting up close and personal with her horses. I promise to report back on my next blogging day.

So does the first day back to school have any impact on your life? If so, what do you plan to do today? If not, are mourning or celebrating the end of summer?


One more thing ...

Snap4kids, a non-profit organization with a mission of assisting families of children with special needs is doing a new type fundraiser. They're selling a cookbook that compiles 140 favorite recipes by 125 authors.

If you're interested, you can check out the details here:
http://snap4kids.org/id106.html.

Helen

19 comments:

krisgils33 said...

I am working from home today, so there will be lots to do, as I was on vacation last week. I also have an unexpected trip to San Francisco tomorrow for work, which means I'll have less than 24 hrs when I return before I head out to a conference in Atlanta. It's going to be a very busy September!

Leanne said...

Wow Kris,you are a busy girl. I think YOU could be our travel authority. Enjoy your day at home!:)

Leanne said...

My kids are grown and out of the house! But I do have nostalgic feelings about when school started for them when they were small. I always wanted them to get teachers who liked them and of course we had all the supplies ready before they started. My kids were usually excited to start a new year. One of the great things about being a writer is that I was able to be there when they arrived home and hear about their day. Good memories.:)

Cindy Gerard said...

Yipee Ti Yi Yo, Helen. And a yeehaw too. Have fun mucking - just watch the hind feet okay?

Like Leanne it's been a while since my kids were in school so we don't mark that first day around here as much. EXCEPT, two of the grandkids are now in school so we commemorate with a day of shopping! It's mostly a girl thing but the boys seem to like it too

KylieBrant said...

Correction, I've been back at school *3* weeks now. And my oldest grandchildren start preschool today, first time ever so their mom is very emotional. It's always meant back to work for me so I have a completely different outlook. But we always did the first day of school picture with new school clothes and backpacks in front of the porch.

Helen Brenna said...

My day at Lois's got canceled due to rain. Rescheduled for later this week. Bummer. Was looking forward to mucking!

Helen Brenna said...

Kris, you are busy. Hope you had a nice vacation, though!

Leanne, you're so right. Being here when the kids get home from school is one of the nicest parts about being a writer.

Cindy, you get the fun part of back to school, but then that's what grandmas are for, right?

Helen Brenna said...

3 weeks! Wow, Kylie, didn't realize school started that early for you. MN schools don't start until after Labor Day, so I think the teachers just started last week. Does it help to know you'll be out earlier in the spring?

Michele Hauf said...

I know Lois will find all kinds of interesting (and muckable) things for you to do, Helen. ;-)

Now that both my kids are out of school it's become a non-event for me. And The Boy moved back in after college this spring. So now the moment I look forward to is when he finds a place and finally moves out (again).

Keri Ford said...

mine started a couple weeks ago. I nearly danced in the parking lot, but managed to wait until I was seated in my car.

It's preschool, so he only goes for half days. I hurried home and wrote while I could.

krisgils33 said...

Apparently I am a bad mom....I was looking at all my friend's FaceBook postings this morning with all the back-to-school photos. Hmmm....was I supposed to take pictures??

Unknown said...

So sorry the weather didn't cooperate, Helen. I have some really yummy jobs lined up. I've been saving them just for this occasion. And will continue to hold them just for you.:)

As for me, this time of year is always sad...the end of summer etc. And with daughter back in college, it still means that poignant loss.

Debra Dixon said...

We don't have to do "back to school" around here anymore. I'm sort of sad and really glad at the same time!

What I do like about back to school is that it signals fall.

I like fall. Wait...I think that should really be, "I like the change of seasons." Because I tend to like every season...at first.

Helen Brenna said...

Michele, I know so many people who've had their college grads moving back in with them. That sounds nice, in a way, but then again ...

Keri, boy do I remember writing during those few hours of preschool. I think I got more done back then than now!

Helen Brenna said...

Kris, I took pics some years, but not all. I think it's all what works for you and your kids.

Lois, I know you'll keep me busy!

Yeah, Deb, I like fall, too. Always nice to put a sweater on for the first time. All cozy and warm. And then-up here anyway-it snows all too soon.

Kathleen Eagle said...

I took the granddaughters to school today--1st and 3d grade. There's always the big ceremony the night before--deciding what to wear. The weather made it difficult to choose--rain and colder than we'd planned when we went shopping.

I always take their pictures the first day--one under the school sign, and one sitting in their new desk. There was a little sadness this year for the 3d grader because 2 of her good friends weren't there--one moved away and the other went to a different school. Early lessons come in all shapes and sizes.

Helen Brenna said...

Oh, Kathy, what to wear! My daughter was very particular - would lay everything out the night before. My son? Couldn't care less!

He drove to school for the first time today. That was a big milestone. No more bus!

Kathleen O said...

Yep it has an impact on me. I don't have any kids of my own, but now that school is back our nice little strip mall and park near by is full of teenagers. Now don't get me wrong, I love kids. I have loads of nieces and nephews, but these high schoolers that invade the mall and the park I am sorry to say are just plain rude. They skate board through the pedestrian walkways. Don't move out of the way to let someone by and the language they use when speaking to someone. My god I wish I had a bar of soap. And I will tell you the girls are worse than the boys. I only wish there parents could hear them. I hope to god none of mine speak to a adult the way these kids do.

I have to time my shopping and going to the library before or after the lunch hours. I just feel like I am being swarmed.

I know the kids have the right to use the mall and walkways too, but they need to be taught some manners.

Okay I will get off my soapbox now..

Helen Brenna said...

Kathleen, I hear you. It's so nice to run into a teenager with manners!